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BlackOut, photo Simone Chnarakis
A Kiki ball centering the culture that birthed Ballroom as we know it today, The Cookout Mini Ball celebrates the vibrancy of Black culture—past, present and future. For the first time in Vancouver, we bring to you a ball with an all-Black production team, featuring an all-Black judging panel, DJ Softie Shan, and Commentator Notorious 007.
Ballroom is a vibrant and competitive subculture, created by Black and Brown Queer and Trans folk, that celebrates the beauty and talent within our community.
As with all Balls, The Cookout Mini Ball is a celebration of Blackness and we invite all members of the community, Black folk and allies, to participate. While we invite all to walk/compete, please be mindful in how you choose to compete and show up in this space.
The BlackOut Collective is a grassroots organization run by and for Black folk with the goal of making Ballroom accessible to Black folk and youth in the Metro Vancouver area.
OTA Runway - 1 trophy $200
Model of the Year: Do you want to be on top? Show us your runway strut in a look that celebrates these two models in particular who have set new standards for a model walk. Must have a printed reference. Europeans: Bring it in a look inspired by an Anok Yai look (on of off the runway). Americans: Bring it in a look inspired by an Alton Mason look (on or off the runway).
OTA Performance - 1 trophy $200
Roots of Rhythm: Celebrating the contributions of Black folk to dance across cultures, incorporate a dance move that has its roots in Black culture or has been popularized by Black culture. Your effect should respectfully pay homage to that dance style.
OTA Face - 1 trophy $150
Pose for Me: Campbell Addy is a photographer, director and publisher, predominantly representing Black and queer identities through his work. He has become one of fashion’s most in-demand photographers as he challenges the industry’s old perceptions of beauty. Bring it in a look that pays homage to his photography and imagery. Must have a printed reference.
Street Style - 1 trophy $150
Misa Put that Sh*t On!: She was the name behind the biggest fashion moments in Hip hop and R&B/Soul through the 90s and 2000s. Bring it in a look inspired by the super stars Misa Hylton styled (Lil’ Kim, Aaliyah, Faith Evans, Missy Elliot, Jodeci, Q-Tip, Foxy Brown, and Dru Hill). Must have a printed reference.
Commentator vs Commentator $100
Living the Dream: MLK had a dream, Langston Hughes asked us to hold fast to dreams, and Killer Mike asked us to follow our dreams. Dreams feature heavily in the Black literary and oratory canon. Incorporate the word and concept of dream in a chant to get your tens.
OTA Realness - 1 trophy $100
Get Real: From Zues, to Tubi, to BET, to Bravo and MTV, Black folk have shaped the culture of reality TV. Bring it in an effect inspired by a cast member on a TV show on one of these networks. Must have a printed reference.
OTA Body - 1 trophy $100
Step up to the Podium: Rep your culture and show us you’ve got the body of a champion. Bring it in an olympic ready effect and show that your body is ready to compete.
Shake That Ass - 1 trophy $50
Freaknik: We are taking it back to Spring Break in the 90s and shaking ass like no one is watching. Bring it in a Freaknik inspired effect.
Virgin Runway - 1 trophy
Bring it in Black, Red, and Green, representing the colors of the Black liberation flag.
Virgin Performance - 1 trophy
Bring it in Black, Red, and Green, representing the colors of the Black liberation flag.
